Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Velez.
Hi Daniel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in Pico-Union, LA, unexposed to the arts but exposed to a lot of poverty. Movies were always my escape since I was a child. The Dark Knight was a big moment for 7/8-year-old me. I had already taken a super short drama class in elementary school, where the drama teacher disappeared after a week but left me with this curiosity about acting. Heath Ledger solidified that this is what I wanted to pursue. I went to Grand Arts in DTLA and did everything I could to get better. I auditioned for conservatories my senior year and fell in love with Juilliard. Juilliard and NYC have been wonderful to me. I now consider both LA and NYC my homes. Juilliard has taught me so much about acting, but even more about being a human being. I’m excited to go out and see who I am outside of it. I’m excited to continue building my career.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road definitely gets bumpy. Simply moving across the country, when nobody in my family has left California, let alone the city, for work or school, was overwhelming.. My first day ever in NYC was one of the scariest days ever for me – missing my mom, feeling alone. Being in a conservatory under a microscope is what I asked for, but it definitely can get overwhelming. Heartbreaks and heartbreaks in life, in art, in spirit never get easier but have been beautiful lessons and moments, nonetheless. Now, as I enter adulthood, I’m sure many more challenges await me, but I’m ready to take them on.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an actor from a family of artists who never got to pursue the arts.
I’ve mainly performed in plays at The Juilliard School and some regional theaters, but I intend to pursue film and television.
I’m most proud of continuing to pursue this goal when so much was set up in my life to keep me where I grew up.
We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking.
Risk-taking is everything. Not coming from a wealthy family, choosing to be an actor isn’t the smartest choice. It’s a risk, but it’s a risk I’m all in on. Moving across the country and leaving the safety of my home was a risk, but now I’m completely in love with NYC and gained a desire to see more of the world. Risk-taking comes hand in hand with sacrifice, and the one I still struggle with is time – the time I give up with my family to pursue my career. My family is incredibly supportive, and I’m so lucky for that, but a lot of the time, it hurts to miss out on so much time with them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/imdanielvelez
Image Credits
Thomas Brunot
Rachel Papo
T Charles Erickson
